BUBBLING YEAST
Science Behind the Experiment
What happens during fermentation in this experiment?
The yeast consumes the sugar in the solution as its food source. As a result, the yeast undergoes anaerobic respiration, converting the sugar into energy, carbon dioxide, and a small amount of alcohol. The carbon dioxide gas is trapped in the container, causing the balloon to inflate.
​
Why does the balloon inflate during the experiment?
The inflation of the balloon is a result of the carbon dioxide gas produced during fermentation. As the yeast breaks down the sugar, it releases carbon dioxide as a byproduct. The gas gets trapped in the container, causing the balloon to expand.
​
What does the experiment demonstrate about fermentation?
The Bubbling Yeast Balloon Experiment vividly demonstrates the outcome of fermentation, showcasing how yeast can metabolize sugars and produce carbon dioxide gas. This experiment provides a simple and captivating way to observe the scientific process behind bread rising and the carbonation in beverages.
​
What are the real-world applications of understanding fermentation?
Understanding fermentation is crucial in various industries, including baking, brewing, and winemaking. The process is utilized to produce bread, beer, wine, and other fermented foods and beverages. Additionally, fermentation has applications in biotechnology, where it is used to produce biofuels and pharmaceuticals, showcasing its significance in modern scientific advancements.
What You Will Learn
With the bubbling yeast fun style balloon experiment, you will learn about the fascinating process of fermentation. As the yeast consumes sugar and releases carbon dioxide gas, you'll witness the magic of bubbles inflating the balloon, illustrating the biochemical transformation in a fun and visually engaging way. This experiment provides a playful insight into the world of microorganisms and the science behind everyday activities like baking and brewing.
Video Coming Soon
Supplies
​
-
Dry yeast
-
Warm water
-
Sugar
-
Clear plastic water bottle
-
Balloon
Steps
Step 1
Collect all the materials you'll need for the experiment. You'll need dry yeast, warm water, sugar, a clear bottle, and a balloon.
Step 2
In the clear bottle, mix the dry yeast with warm water. Add a spoonful of sugar to the mixture and give it a gentle stir to dissolve the sugar. Then, quickly stretch the mouth of the balloon over the bottle's opening to seal it.
Image Coming Soon
Step 3
Place the bottle in a warm spot and wait for a little while. Watch closely as the yeast consumes the sugar and starts producing carbon dioxide gas.
Image Coming Soon
Step 4
As the yeast works its magic, you'll notice the balloon starting to inflate! The carbon dioxide gas produced by the yeast fills the balloon, showing us how fermentation works.